Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings have decided for now against moving forward with plans to develop Daniel’s Head.

It was announced in July 2025 that the cruise operator had signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding to consider investments for the vacant tourism site in Sandys.

However, the Bermuda Land Management Corporation confirmed that the company had informed them last month it would not pursue the development project.

Andrew Dias, chief executive of the BLMC, said: “We appreciate the time and effort that Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings invested in exploring the potential of Daniel’s Head with us.

“While we are naturally disappointed that they have decided not to pursue the opportunity at this time, we respect their decision and value our ongoing relationship with NCL.

“Daniel’s Head remains a significant and exciting opportunity for Bermuda. The property has been underutilised for many years, and we now have an opportunity to invite other experienced partners to put forward their vision for the site.

“Our objective is to identify a partner and a development proposal that is commercially sound, appropriate for the location and delivers meaningful benefits for Bermuda and the surrounding community.

“We look forward to seeing what opportunities the market can bring forward.”

A government spokesman said that the MOU signed last year did not constitute an agreement to develop Daniel’s Head, nor had BLMC granted NCLH a lease or other development rights over the property.

The spokesman added: “The discussions were exploratory, with any potential development subject to further conceptual and financial evaluation, as well as stakeholder engagement.”

Daniel’s Head, in Sandys, was previously the site of an eco-resort, Destination Villages, which opened in 1999 on former Canadian naval base land that reverted to the Government in 1994.

The site later became the 9 Beaches resort, but that development closed its doors in 2010.

It was announced in 2018 that land development officials had partnered with the professional services firm KPMG to market the site to potential developers overseas, but the agreement was halted the following year.

Zane DeSilva, the Minister of Housing and Municipalities, announced the MOU in the House of Assembly in June of last year, stating that NCL would “access and evaluate the possibility of investing and potentially transforming this area into a first-class tourism product”.

However, he stated that discussions were at an early stage and nothing had been signed off or agreed to.

In June, after reports that holiday revellers had left a mess at the site, BLMC said that “complex negotiations” with the cruise line were still under way.